tykani a vykani

Discussion in 'General Language' started by hribecek, Nov 9, 2007.

  1. hribecek

    hribecek Well-Known Member

    Today I realised another problem that plagues me in Czech. I have a new Czech student who I speak to in English during lessons but who yesterday started to spek to me in Czech outside of the lesson. I had been teaching her for 4 days but I didn't know whether I should jump straight into tykani or go for vykani. I know native speakers usually suggest it to each other in this type of situation before using tykani.
    This has been a regular problem for me in my time as a teacher of Czechs.
    I feel like if I use vykani then I'm saying that we are not friends and maybe it would affect the classroom chemistry (mainly conversation class) and if I use tykani (which I did and usually do) then maybe I'm being disrespectful and offensive. Kind of like if I said to a new business colleague in English - 'alwight mate, how ya doin, wot you bin up to this week?' It would feel inappropriate.
    How do Czechs feel when they hear foreigners using tykani when they should be using vykani or vice-versa? I mean foreigners with a Upper-Int to Advanced level?
     
  2. Karel_lerak

    Karel_lerak Well-Known Member

    "tykání" or "vykání" is usually agreed by both. You would do no mistake, if you ask her what she prefers or: do the same as she probably started. In the class you may ask what they prefer, too. If you are younger than the students you may start with "vykání", but with you as a foreigner speaking Czech, they would be for sure grateful for you effort speaking czech and would make no problems from yours "ty" and "vy" 8) BTW we are used to speak with foreigners, who use the "tykání" instead of "vykání" , it is somehow characteristic for them.
     
  3. Alexx

    Alexx Well-Known Member

    Karel is true, I am happy when some tries to speak czech, no matter if he use "tykání" or "vykání". But I remember a waiter in our favourite pub in Pomorie, Bulgaria, he used "tykání" all the time to us, guests, and it was quite of funny. I do not know bulgarian grammar, maybe he just did not realised.
     

Share This Page